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Din's Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Din's Kitchen
8.0
Modern Shanghainese dumpling house with glass-enclosed kitchen showcasing fresh xiao long bao being wrapped. The soup dumplings deliver properly thin skins with rich pork broth, while the dry hot pot and appetizer plates make this ideal for group sampling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Pan-Fried Dumplings, Dry Hot Pot
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern dumpling spot with visible kitchen and quality xiao long bao
Who should go: Families and groups wanting shareable Shanghainese small plates
When to visit: Early dinner before crowds build, reservations accepted
What to order: Soup dumplings, pan-fried potstickers, dry hot pot
Insider tip: The dumpling combo offers best value for trying multiple styles
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 7th Ave, metered spots available in surrounding Sunset Park area - allow 10-15 extra minutes during dinner hours
Dress code: Casual - neighborhood dumpling house vibe, come as you are
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can get noisy during peak dinner hours, conversation-friendly at off-peak times
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation, recommend booking for groups of 4+
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, often seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable dry pot options and several appetizers like cucumber salad
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with veggie-based dry pot, specify when ordering
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes available but shared fryers, cross-contact likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones. The glass-enclosed kitchen is a fun conversation starter, but it gets lively during dinner rush. Try an early seating (5-6pm) for quieter ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties of 2-3 on weekdays. Weekend dinner and groups of 4+ should call ahead at (347) 987-4596 as the small space fills up. Walk-ins during lunch are no problem.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families are regulars here. No dedicated kids menu but soup dumplings and potstickers are crowd-pleasers for children. The open kitchen keeps kids entertained watching dumpling-making.
Best For
Better for: Authentic xiao long bao at neighborhood prices, group sampling via dry pot and dumpling combos, and watching skilled dumpling-making through the glass kitchen
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic evening, need extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer Cantonese dim sum carts over Shanghainese focused fare